Yesterday’s AGRI Committee vote on the renewal of Ukraine ATM delivered a positive outcome for EU farmers. The Committee’s decisions, comprising the inclusion of cereals, oilseeds, and honey in the automatic safeguard measures system, alongside adjustments to this system, reference years and activation delays, represent significant strides toward securing a fair and sustainable future for European farmers.
These results bear importance for the EU farmers who have been grappling with the repercussions of trade decisions made in the wake of geopolitical challenges. Farming communities as the rest of Europeans continue to support Ukrainians. However, the trade liberalisation has also resulted in two years of significant imports of Ukrainian agricultural products seriously impacting EU farmers. The commitment to addressing these concerns underscores the AGRI Committee’s dedication to the well-being of our agricultural sector and its capacity to find a solution striking the right balance between maintaining support to Ukraine and ensuring the survival of EU farmers.
As we acknowledge these achievements, we also recognise the upcoming challenge of the INTA Committee’s draft report vote. It is imperative that the positive momentum gained in the AGRI Committee is not only maintained but serves as an inspiration. The survival of EU farmers depends on thoughtful decisions and collaborative efforts as we navigate the intricate landscape of international trade agreements.
We thank those who contributed to these positive outcomes and urge other decision-makers to rally behind it. By doing so, we can collectively shape an agreement that will guarantee an unwavering support to Ukraine, thanks to a better distribution of efforts.
On behalf of the following associations:
AVEC – Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade in the EU countries
CEFS – European Association of Sugar Manufacturers
CEPM – European Confederation of Maize Production
CIBE – International Confederation of European Beet Growers
COPA-COGECA – The united voice of farmers and their cooperatives in the European Union
EUWEP – European Union of Wholesale with Eggs, Egg Products, Poultry and Game
Fonte: Copa Cogeca